Google censors itself for Chinese government

Google decided to set up a new site for Chinese users - Google.cn - which it will censor itself to satify to Chinese authorities in Beijing. Google hopes this will make their search engine easier to use and quicker for Chinese users.

Additionally, it will also notify users when access had been restricted on certain search terms. Google claims doing this causes less harm than totally pulling out of the Chinese market.

Critics warn the new version could restrict access to thousands of sensitive terms and web sites. Such topics are likely to include independence for Taiwan and the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

The Chinese government keeps a tight rein on the internet and what users can access. The BBC news site is inaccessible, while a search on Google.cn for the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement directs users to a string of condemnatory articles.